01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
这是姐姐的相机。
This is my older sister’s camera.
The owner comes before 的 and the camera comes after it.
你的围巾在椅子上。
Your scarf is on the chair.
你的围巾 is the complete subject of the sentence.
我找到了同事的杯子。
I found my colleague’s cup.
The possessive phrase can also be the object after a verb.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
的 connects an owner or associated person with a thing. Put the person first, then 的, then the noun: “my friend’s notebook” follows the order friend + 的 + notebook. The phrase is not a full sentence by itself. You can use it as the subject or object of a larger sentence.
Pronouns work in the same way: 我的, 你的, and 她的 can introduce something belonging to me, you, or her. The owner can also be a longer phrase such as “the student beside you.” Begin with short phrases and notice that the thing being described remains at the end.
Chinese sometimes leaves out 的 in close relationships, especially with family members and pronouns. You may hear 我姐姐 as well as 我的姐姐. Do not extend that omission to every possession. With ordinary objects, keeping 的 is a dependable starting point. When the thing is already understood, 我的 can also stand alone as “mine.”
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid这是的姐姐相机。
Use这是姐姐的相机。
Put 的 after the owner 姐姐 and before the thing 相机. It does not go before the owner.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 相机 | xiàngjī | camera |
| 围巾 | wéijīn | scarf |
| 同事 | tóngshì | colleague |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
